As to why many women put the examination off? New research from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (who are running an awareness campaign, #SmearForSmear, all week – find out more, here) has found young women who delay or don’t go for smear tests feel scared (71%), with (75%) feeling vulnerable at the thought of going. Embarrassment is a major reason for not going, (81%), with two thirds (67%) saying they would not feel in control at the prospect of a test.

However. Two women lose their lives to cervical cancer every day in the UK, while nine will be diagnosed with in the same time frame. So you can see why WH really wants you to book in, next time you get a letter telling you it's time.

To help shake your nerves around the check, we caught up with consultant gynaecologist and gynaecological oncologist Dr Tania Adib for her cervical screening pointers.

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What happens during a smear test?

The aim of a cervical smear is to collect sample cells from your cervix (the junction point between your vagina and your womb) and to monitor these for any early changes which could be a warning sign of cancer.

A smear test is a clinical procedure so it is typically carried out at your GP surgery by an experienced nurse. You’ll be asked to take off your underwear and lie on your back on a bed with your knees falling slightly apart.

The nurse will then insert a speculum (a kind of plastic tube) into your vagina to help see the cervix more clearly. A small wand-like brush is then swept across the cervix to collect cells, which will be sent to a lab for testing; the results take around two weeks to come back.

Who can have a smear test

In the UK, you’ll be invited for cervical screening from the age of 25. From then, you should have repeat smears every three years (unless advised otherwise) until the age of 50, at which point you’ll have them every five years until the age of 65.

"In the UK, you’ll be invited for cervical screening from the age of 25"

Transgender men who have had a total hysterectomy do not need to have cervical screening; but if you are a transgender man with a cervix, you absolutely should.

Had the HPV vaccine? You still need to have a smear. “The vaccine only works against two strains of the virus but there are about 15 in total so cervical smearing is still important,” Adib says.

Stocksy

How can I prep for my smear test?

Dress the part

Especially for those who are body shy – or simply in a rush – wearing a skirt or dress will make the cervical screening all the easier. Because you’ll be asked to remove your underwear behind a screen, wearing a skirt means you won’t have to walk across the consultation room revealing all from the waist down.

Completely forgot? The nurse should provide you with a sheet of paper towel when you lie down; ask for some if they haven’t and you’re feeling too exposed.

“It doesn’t really matter when in your cycle you have your smear,” says Adib. “But you do not want to be bleeding. Have it just before, just after or mid-cycle, instead. If you are on your period, you won’t get a reliable result from the smear test and, because it takes around three months for the surface of the cervix to regenerate, you’ll have to wait that long before the test can be repeated.”

FYI: post smear test, you may experience a day or two of light bleeding – or you might not. Both are completely normal. “A smear test involves brushing cervix cells from the cervix and, because these are quite fragile and delicate, they can easily bleed,” Adib says.

"If you find the test painful, tell your nurse as they may be able to reposition you,” says Adib. “Putting your hands underneath your buttocks can lift the cervix up and make it more visible, for example, and some practices may have access to a gynae chair, which can also make the experience more comfortable. And, if it’s the speculum itself that’s causing you pain, these do come in different shapes and sizes – if it’s too big or hurts there are smaller ones and longer ones, which may me more appropriate.”

And remember, you can always ask the smear taker to stop if it’s too uncomfortable.

Perhaps easier said than done when you’ve got ice cold gel and a hard, plastic tube being inserted inside of you but, the more you relax, the less you’ll feel it. Kind of like when you first try using a menstrual cup.

“The natural reaction is to clench up,” says Adib. “But this lifts your bottom off the bed, in turn making the experience more uncomfortable. It’s counter-intuitive but you should relax and let your bottom sink into the bed. The more relaxed you are the easier and less uncomfortable the examination will be. Practice mindfulness or focus on watching your breath going in and out of your nose.”

"You should relax and let your bottom sink into the bed"

“If you are menopausal or have vaginal dryness, use a moisturiser for 3-4 weeks before the smear and then don’t use anything for three days before the smear,” Adib says.

Yes, you can. Some women may prefer to be seen by a female nurse; others by a male. Simply put in your request when booking up your appointment.

The final word

“It’s important to remember that a smear test is not a cancer test; it is a pre-cancer test,” says Adib. “What we are trying to pick up are mild abnormalities on the cervix, which are very treatable before they ever get to cancer.

"It’s important to remember that a smear test is not a cancer test"

The longer you leave it, the more likely it is you may have a cancer, which is why I can’t stress enough how important it is to have regular cervical screening.”

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